Recovery from drug or alcohol abuse is considered a family approach. This is because once a loved one returns home after treatment at a rehab facility, it involves providing support and encouragement by the family as they recover from addiction. At the same time, it is important to set boundaries and avoid enabling.
When your loved one comes home, they are not “cured.” Addictions must be faced on a daily basis. Think of recovery not as a final destination, but a journey with the potential for missteps. Nonetheless, there are many things you can do to help a loved one after rehab.
It is important for family members to educate themselves about addiction – including the specific substance use disorder their family member received treatment. Understanding how drugs and alcohol affect an individual helps you to know their mindset and why addiction is considered a chronic disorder.
Addiction to different substances is different and so the behavior of the person after treatment is also different depending on the substance. To begin with, clear your home of any alcohol, addictive substances or stimulants/intoxicants.
Keep communication open with your loved one and be patient. Also, it’s beneficial to be honest and non-judgmental with your loved one. Your trust may have been damaged by the effects of his or her past behavior, but rebuilding the trust is a key part of recovery.
After coming home from the rehab centre, your loved one may have to go for therapy sessions regularly as part of an outpatient treatment or a support program. During this time, it is important not to mistake this period of essential self-care as selfishness. As the recovery progresses, they will start focusing on rebuilding their life including relationships, work, and hobbies.
Expect to develop a routine after rehab. Most rehab facilities generally keep a strict schedule to build habits that contribute to substance-free lives after discharge. Studies show that people are more likely to drink or use drugs when they are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
Living with a loved one with a substance abuse disorder, even after their treatment, is not easy. If you feel that you might need support through the transition period after rehab, consider attending support groups for the families of those with drug or alcohol abuse problem.
In addition, when living with a person recovering from addiction, it is important to be able to identify any signs of relapse.
While relapse can happen at any time, identifying the problem, informing the rehab facility and seeking help right away reduces the time needed to take the necessary steps.